The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Packing for a Stress-Free Summer Vacation

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A great summer vacation starts long before you leave home and get to your destination. Whether you are planning your dream Disney trip, exploring a new city, or spending time at an RV park surrounded by nature, a little preparation can go a long way. When you plan in advance, you can better avoid anxiety, ensure you have everything you need to be comfortable, stay within your budget and most importantly, have fun on your trip.

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To help you, here are some practical tips for planning and packing for your next summer getaway.

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Choose the right type of holiday for you

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Before you book anything, take some time to think carefully about the kind of experience you want to have. Some families prefer to relax by the ocean with a good book, while others want action-packed adventures and outdoor activities. Choosing a destination that matches your interests will make your holiday far more enjoyable.

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For example, if you love being outdoors, doing things like fishing and just being in nature, then staying at a reputable RV park could be ideal. Many RV parks are located near lakes, forests, and hiking trails, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking and exploring the outdoors. On the other hand, if your perfect vacation is one where you sit on the waterfront in a nice restaurant, a beach destination might be the best option for you. Understanding what you want from your trip helps guide every other planning decision.

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Pack according to your destination

One of the biggest packing mistakes people make is bringing the wrong clothing for their chosen destination. Instead of packing based solely on the season, think about the activities you will be doing, so you can pack the right clothes.

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Swimwear, light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and sandals are going to be best for a beach holiday, whereas a nature or camping based holiday may require more sturdy walking shoes, waterproof layers, insect repellent and more. Make sure you do your research into the location, area and activities beforehand, so you can pack appropriately. Of course, you also want to ensure you pack your most fashionable items, so you can look good in the evenings and when you are going out.

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Be flexible

Flexibility is a key skill when going away. Not only is it key for the activities you will do, but also when it comes to things like packing and budgeting. A flexible budget can ensure you have room for extra activities or emergencies. Flexibility when packing is vital, as you want to ensure that you have capacity for any purchases you make while you are away. And a flexible mindset overall is key - so you can go away and enjoy a little spontaneity too. This can mean you make a lot more memories, rather than sticking to a very strict schedule the whole time.

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The goal of planning and packing for a vacation is to make it easy and stress-free, not more complicated.

The Best S'mores Recipes You'll Ever Try

S'mores are the perfect summer treat. They're easy to make, delicious, and fun to eat. Plus, they're the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors on a warm summer night.

Here are just a few reasons why s'mores are the perfect summer treat:

• They're easy to make. All you need is some graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. You can even make them in the microwave if you don't have a campfire.
• They're delicious. The combination of the graham cracker, chocolate, and gooey marshmallow is simply irresistible.
• They're fun to eat. There's nothing quite like the experience of roasting a marshmallow over a campfire and then smooshing it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.
• They're the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. S'mores are the perfect way to end a long day of hiking, swimming, or playing in the sun.

So next time you're looking for a delicious and fun summer treat, reach for some s'mores. You won't be disappointed.

I gathered some of our favorite recipes to share with you. Check these out to make your next s'mores night extra special.

Mini S’mores Pies by Create Yum

Whether you call them s’mores cups, s’mores bites, or s’mores pies, I call them yummy. Enjoy these easy mini s’mores with graham cracker crust pies for a delicious dessert anytime. These mini s’mores bites are just the right amount of sweetness for a little treat that you can enjoy after lunch or dinner or whenever.




S’mores Mug Cake by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

This s'mores mug cake has graham cracker crumbs in it, mallow bits, chocolate chunks and a nice pile of toasted mini marshmallows to top it off with.




Mint Chocolate S’mores by Sweet Silly Sara

S'mores are a summertime staple for good reason. They are incredibly delicious! This recipe takes the tastiness up a notch with the addition of mint chocolate chip to the equation for a melt in your mouth campfire snack!




S’mores Pudding Pots by Entertaining with Beth

My S’more Pudding Pot Recipe is your new favorite summer dessert idea that will WOW a crowd! Just top your puddings with crushed graham crackers and broil the marshmallows and you’re DONE! These desserts are great for entertaining families, since both kids and grown-ups go nuts for these!




S’mores Dip by Spend with Pennies

My S’more Pudding Pot Recipe is your new favorite summer dessert idea that will WOW a crowd! Just top your puddings with crushed graham crackers and broil the marshmallows and you’re DONE! These desserts are great for entertaining families, since both kids and grown-ups go nuts for these!




Easy S’mores Bars by Plowing Through Life

Classic campfire treats baked in a pan are called Easy S’mores Bars. These easy dessert bars feature a graham cracker layer topped with a layer of chocolate and then toasted mini-marshmallows and more chocolate chunks finish off the delicious treat!




S’mores Popsicles by Thrifty Northwest Mom

We are working on our summer bucket list for old-fashioned fun this summer at home and trying new summer recipes is on our list. We love sweet treats & ice cream & popsicles are always high on our list in the heat of the summer for a refreshing treat. So, we thought it would be fun to try some new ideas. I am pretty obsessed with s’mores around the campfire, so love that these s’mores popsicles are just another way to enjoy the flavors of s’mores!




Grilled Strawberry S’mores by For the Love of Food

Add fresh berries to a classic combo and toss it on the grill for a one of a kind summer goodie! Everyone will love these grilled s’mores strawberries!




S’mores Donuts by Dine Dream Discover

If you can’t go camping to have traditional S’mores by the campfire then these will fill the void.




S’mores Cheesecake Bars by Cheesecake It Is

Craving that favorite summer dessert called S’mores? If you are, you are going to love this recipe for S’mores Cheesecake Bars! Such a great combination of s’mores and cheesecake.




Double Dipped S’mores Apples by Boulder Locavore

S’mores flavors in an indulgent candied apple form. These are almost too pretty to eat!




S’mores on a Stick by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

S’mores on a Stick. The easiest way to get that yummy s’mores taste when a campfire is not available!




S’mores Brownies by Kelly Stillwell

Everyone loves S'mores, and who doesn't love brownies? Make an extra big batch of these smores brownies as they will be gone before you know it!




Rice Krispie S’mores by Leelalicious

The No-Bake Summer is still underway, and this time, a friend of mine, Carla, makes delicious S’more Rice Krispie Treats with marshmallows, graham, and chocolate – the staples!




S’mores Stuffed Cookies by The Banana Diaries

The best s’mores stuffed cookies you’ll ever make that are incredibly easy and undetectably vegan! Stuffed with a melted marshmallow and completely refined sugar free and can be gluten free, you won’t be able to stop with these vegan s’mores cookies!




S’mores Ice Cream by Baby Savers

This simple s'mores ice cream recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert. Packed full of sweetness and that classic s'mores taste, it's a dessert party just waiting to happen.

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect s'mores:

• Use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the s'mores will taste.
• Toast your marshmallows until they're golden brown and gooey.
• Use a variety of chocolate. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate all make great s'mores.
• Get creative with your toppings. Try adding nuts, candy, or fruit to your s'mores for a fun twist.

No matter how you make them, s'mores are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering. So gather your friends and family, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the perfect summer treat.

Find more favorite summer recipes here:

S'mores Charcuterie

Popsicles for Adults

Unique Potato Salad Recipes

 Summer potlucks and cook outs aren't complete until you bring out the potato salad! It is the required side for burgers, hot dogs, brats and friends! If you want to up your game and bring a potato salad that everyone will talk about long after the last bite has been devoured, then you are in the right place. I gathered 15  favorite potato salads to share with you. These recipes are unique and totally tasty.

You might want to check out a few other recipes while you are here. Some of my favorites include Golden Graham Cookies.  Sour Apple Margaritas are perfect with potato salad and all of the fixins for a BBQ.

Cesar Potato Salad by Sam Cooks Kindness

Warm Austrian Potato Salad by Cooking Gorgeous

Ranch Potato Salad by Spend with Pennies

Sweet Potato Salad by Plant Based Budget

Mashed Potato Salad by Feeding Your Fam

Instant Pot Potato Salad by Pressure Cooker Recipe

Vegan Southern Potato Salad by Strength and Sunshine

Eggless Potato Salad by Sugar and Snappeas

Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad by My Therapist Cooks

Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Centsless Meals

German Potato Salad by Like Mother Like Daughter

Classic Potato Salad with Eggs by Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Greek Lemon Potato Salad by The View From Great Island

Roasted Garlic Potato Salad by This Noshtalgic Life

German Dill Potato Salad by Served From Scratch

I hope you find plenty of opportunities to whip up one of these unique potato salads this summer. You might want to save this post to reference later.

Find more recipes here:

Best Dinner Rolls

Cherry Berry Pie

Instant Pot Banana Rice Pudding

Get Ready for Summer With These 9 Essential Home Maintenance Projects

 As summer is around the corner, now is the time to get your home in tiptop condition. By undertaking these 9 essential home maintenance projects you can ensure your family's safety and protection before it begins. From roof inspections to pest control solutions - each of these projects plays a vital role in maintaining healthy and comfortable living spaces during summertime! Continue reading below to discover what steps can help get ready for summer!

Photo by Roselyn Tirado on Unsplash

1. Roof Inspection: 

As summer draws nearer, it is wise to inspect your roof for potential damage. Checking for missing or worn-out flashing around vents and chimneys as well as loose shingles and signs of water seepage is important; should anything needing repair be found, seek help immediately from a professional roofer.

2. Pest Control: 

Summer brings with it an increase in insects like ants, spiders and mosquitos that could make your house their home. To ward them off early on and protect yourself from further invasion of these pests by their nests in your house or yard, hire professional pest control services who can spray insecticides or other safe chemicals around the property for you.

3. Air Conditioner Maintenance:

Before the summer heats up, make sure your air conditioner runs efficiently by having it serviced by a professional HVAC technician. They will inspect and clean air ducts, replace worn-out parts with new ones and check coolant levels - all necessary steps for making sure that it will function optimally all season long.

4. Windows and Doors:

Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed against heat or humidity gain. Caulk around window frames and door frames if there's draftiness when opening them, or invest in weatherstripping if necessary to further increase insulation.

5. Outdoor Maintenance: 

Sprucing up your outdoor living space this summer could include fresh landscaping or adding a patio set - so before beginning any renovations make sure that you inspect your deck or porch for signs of wear and tear and repair it as necessary. Check out the condition of your garage. Maybe it could do with expert garage door services to improve the security and temperature within the space.

6.Clear Your Gutters: 

Clean gutters regularly to ensure water can drain freely off of your roof. If they become full of dirt and leaves, have them professionally cleaned to avoid becoming breeding grounds for pests or experiencing drainage issues during heavy rainstorms.

7. Electrical System Inspections:

Get an electrician to come in and assess all wiring and electrical outlets in your home to make sure they're safe to use during summertime, identifying frayed wires, faulty outlets, overloaded circuits and loose connections.

8. Air Filters:

Clean or change your air filters regularly during summer to maintain efficient operation of your HVAC system and reduce allergens that could pose breathing issues for those suffering from allergies or asthma. Keeping them clean also reduces allergen levels in the air that could exacerbate respiratory conditions for these people.

9. Plumbing Maintenance: 

For optimal plumbing performance during the hot months of summer, have your plumbing checked by a professional to prevent major problems like clogged drains or broken pipes from occurring. Also make sure all faucets and toilets are checked for signs of leaking to prevent costly water damage in your home.

These nine essential home maintenance projects will help ensure that your home is safe, comfortable, and up-to-date before summer hits. Complete each of them now to experience worry-free summer living!

How to Freeze Asparagus

Freezing vegetables is a great way to save money during the winter months. This easy tutorial will have you freezing asparagus now for enjoyment this winter. With this method your asparagus will be as fresh tasting as it was the day you purchased it. 

I am a major farmers market fan. In fact, it is the thing I get the most excited about! I want to get there early and I come prepared with bags and baskets to carry home my fresh finds. In fact, it is not at all uncommon to find me standing in line on a Tuesday afternoon, patiently awaiting the bell that signals the start of the market. I have a favorite farmer and he sells out FAST! LOL. I find it to be worth the wait.

You would likely find it worth the wait too. I got a steal on asparagus and mini peppers recently. I am talking $1 a pound for the freshest asparagus in town. I bought 10 pounds of it without hesitation.

Asparagus for days is my jam. But, these gorgeous stalks are meant for a cold, blustery day, when asparagus doesn't look this good at the store, but it packs a hefty price tag of up to $6 a pound where I live. To preserve asparagus this is what you need.

I do use a foodsaver, but you can get a vaccum sealer for about $30 on amazon and big rolls of the bags. They are well worth the investment if you are going to do a lot of freezing! I know every expert will tell you food goes bad fast; but honestly I have had veggies frozen for 2 years that are still super fresh when packaged properly with a food saver... but, I guess now you know my secret. I rarely defrost my deep freezer HA!

So here is what you need:

Supplies:

A bowl of ice water

1 pound of asparagus

6 cups of water

Paper Towels

Food saver or freezer bags

Directions:

Snap the ends of the asparagus and discard the woody ends.

Boil 4 cups of water.

Place 2 cups of water and the ice into a large bowl.

When the water has come to a boil, drop the asparagus into the boiling water.

Allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the asparagus turns bright green.

Remove the asparagus from the boiling water and immediately place it in the ice water.

Remove after 30 seconds.

Place the asparagus on paper towels and allow to drain.

Pat the asparagus dry.

Place it in a food saver or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.

Place in the freezer for up to a year.

If you are looking for more ways to save money; here are some reader's favorite posts. 

5 Baby Items You Won't Need

6 Things Not to Bargain Shop For

How To Save Money on Back to School Clothes

Turn Your Summer Dinner Party Into The Best Foodie Event Of The Year

 While there are several foodie events that people can attend throughout the year, there is nothing quite as wholesome as hosting your own food event. 

Food events are most popular during the warmer months thanks to being able to spend more time outside. From home barbeques to food festivals, there is always a lot that happens during the summer to satisfy those foodies among us.

Should you be someone that loves to host people and cook good food, then why not host your own summer dinner party and turn it into the foodie event of the year? Whether you want to cook a barbeque or an inside dinner party, here are all of the tips that you need to host the best foodie event of the year.

Wine Glasses Vino - Free photo on Pixabay

Make homemade dips and sauces

Although you might think that cooking all of your ingredients from scratch is enough, it will enhance your dishes if you make your own sauces and dips. 

Store-bought dips and sauces are nice. But, they aren’t the same as a homemade concoction. The great thing about homemade dips and sauces is that you can add more flavor or diverse ingredients to make them unique. You might be able to throw something together that your friends and family ask you to make them time and time again because it was just so yummy.

For example, you could make a homemade tzatziki for your crudite platter and a sticky orange sauce for your barbecued chicken. 

It can take a lot of time to make all of your sauces and dips from scratch, so you might want to get started way ahead of the party so that you can enjoy cooking the main ingredients on the day.

Have a range of drinks on offer

The best parties are those that have a wide range of drinks on offer. You might only host adults, however, some guests might want a soft drink. 

Therefore, having a range of soft and alcoholic drinks will ensure that every guest is satisfied. 

To make your soft drinks extra special, you could throw together some mocktails and hand out your drinks in fancy glassware. 

Allow guests to bring their own recipes

Whether your friend wants to bring their fantastic summer sauteed corn and squash or lentil curry, let them. The more food, the merrier the party will be. 

When a guest asks to bring a dish with them, it isn’t because they don’t trust your cooking. Instead, it will likely be because they want to show off a new recipe that they have mastered. 

Sharing recipes and allowing people to bring their own food will also ensure that there is plenty to go around. If your food is that good, your guests might demolish it. Hence, having some extra food will make sure that guests never go hungry. 

Set the atmosphere

Like a professional food event, you should set the atmosphere. To do so, you could:

• Add decorations. Having your home and garden fully decorated will make the summer dinner party feel like an expert summer foodie event. Making your interior look the part will not go unnoticed and you will look like a host that really cares about their guests. 

• Create a theme. To make your foodie event unique and memorable, you could create a theme. This theme could run into the food choices, drink options, decorations, and dress code. For instance, you could create a Mexican-themed dinner party and make tacos, and margarita cocktails, and ask guests to dress in red, white, and green. 

• Don’t forget the music. Any ultimate summer party (food-based or not) will have music playing in the background. This will set the mood and get people in the party spirit. Again, this could align with your theme and further enhance the fun of your foodie event. 

Small and picky snacks and desserts

Before and after your guests eat, you will want to give them a little something to satisfy them. They might have not eaten all day to save themselves for your feast. Therefore, don’t forget to put out some pre-dinner snacks. This could be fancy canapes or a simple table of crisps, vegetable sticks, homemade dips, and nuts. 

Likewise, don’t forget to offer your guests a sweet treat to finish off their meals with. If you have prepared a large meal, then it is often best to make small and picky desserts. Something like bite-sized brownies, cookies, or homemade chocolate is perfect so that guests can balance out their palates. 

Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores

S'mores are a summertime staple for good reason. They are incredibly delicious! This recipe takes the tastiness up a notch with the addition of mint chocolate chip to the equation for a melt in your mouth campfire snack!

Summer is here and my kids have been begging to make s'mores. Last weekend they talked their Daddy into building a campfire for them and they looked at me with big eyes, hopeful. Do we have any graham crackers?

Well, we didn't. But that didn't stop us from smashing some delectable ingredients together and creating something incredible Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores are gooey, chocolate-y and have a hint of crisp coolness from the mint, making them perfect for summer!

This recipe is so easy. It was created based on availability of what was in our pantry. We had a pack of Smash Mallows lingering from Easter, some single serve Chips Ahoy and snack size Hershey bars. I picked mint chocolate chip marshmallow because mint is my thing lately. I don't know if Smash Mallows are a thing you can get anywhere. I am not affiliated with their company, so I would advise you to check them out via my amazon affiliate link. Smash Mallows assortment.

Ingredients per 1 S'more

2 Chips Ahoy Cookies

Smash Mallow Mint Chocolate Chip 

Hershey Milk Chocolate

Directions:

Place a Hershey bar on one chocolate chip cookie

Roast a smash mallow mint chocolate chip

Smash it on the chocolate bar

Top it with the other cookie.

Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this easy Mint Chocolate Chip S'mores recipe check out this Easy End of the Rainbow Snack

or 

Homemade Blueberry Lime Soda 

7 Delicious Ways to Stay Hydrated

The days are getting warmer. Let's cool off with an infused water recipe that will hydrate you and offer a delicious fruity flavor to your summer days!

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Infused water is the perfect way to beat the heat while adding a delicious touch of flavor to your summer drinks. These recipes are some of my favorites and I couldn't wait to share them with you. With recipes as easy and delicious as these, drinking more water is just a tasty sip away

Strawberry Basil Lime Water
Kiwi Blackberry Water
Chia Lime Water
Cucumber Watermelon Mint
Apple Cinnamon Detox Water
Cucumber Lemon Water
Strawberry Lemon Water

If you love infused water but haven't made it at home, you will want to take note of these tips.

1. Always wash your fruits and veggies prior to adding them to water.
2. Allow them to soak overnight for the best flavor.
3. Don't be afraid to add herbs to your infused water!

Which of these is your favorite? Do you ever make infused water to keep your family hydrated? I would love to hear what fruits you like to include!

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8 Awesome Ways to Eat Hot Dogs

Hot dogs and summer time are a match made in heaven. This year, your options aren't limited to grilled, boiled or baked! I have rounded up 8 Awesome Ways to Eat Hot Dogs that I know you are going to love!

This post contains affiliate links.

I love a good hot dog! From a sloppy chili dog to a simple grilled dog with peppers and onions! I started checking out some of my favorite blogs to get hot dog inspiration and what I discovered is a total game changer in the dog department!

From pineapple topped dogs to a mouth watering pizza recipe; this collection of recipes is sure to please hot dog fanatics all summer long!

Firecracker Hot Dogs
Buffalo Wing Hot Dogs
Cheesy Hot Dog Tartlets
Fried Hot Dog Sliders
Mexican Style Dogs
Chili Cheese Dog Pizza
Hawaiian Hot Dogs 
Philly Cheese Steak Dogs



Which of these recipes sounds the yummiest to you?

You can find all of my recipes here

Strawberry Shortcake Floats

All of the flavors of a Strawberry Shortcake, but in a decadently cool float form! There is nothing like an ice cream float on a hot summer day!

You will want to pin this recipe to your dessert board for future reference!

Summer is the perfect season to make ice cream floats. This one is perfect for a dessert or a decadent way to cool off on a summer day.

I love strawberry shortcake on a summer day! But, sometimes I want something cooler than cake. A float is a perfect solution to cure my cravings.

These floats look and taste gourmet, but they are so easy to make! The most basic of ingredients come together to create a treat that is going to become a most requested drink in your house!

This was so good. I had to have a second float! My guilt subsided when my husband asked for another one but in a bigger glass.  This is an easy way to impress a guest or a delicious addition to any day of the week!

If you love floats, you won't want to miss this delicious strawberry cheesecake float or this blackberry cheesecake float.

Click through for the recipe.

Fresh Blueberry Napoleons

If you need a yummy dessert to take to your 4th of July festivities you won't want to miss this recipe for Fresh Blueberry Napoleons. Imagine something fruity, sweet and rich that will leave your loved ones talking about your amazing baking skills... 

Ingredients

• 6 slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 1 teaspoon butter, softened
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole or part-skim milk or cottage cheese)
• ¼ cup mascarpone or cream cheese
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
• 1 cup blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. With a rolling pin, roll bread slices very thin
3. Cut each slice in half lengthwise
4. Lightly butter bread on one side
5. Arrange on baking sheet
6. Sprinkle wtih sugar
7. Bake until crisp and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes
8. Cool to room temperature (If making ahead, wrap tightly store at room temperature)
9. In medium bowl, with electric mixer, beat ricotta, mascarpone, confectioners’ sugar, and preserves until smooth
10. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use
11. Just before serving, place 8 toasts on work surface
12. Spread cheese filling on toasts, dividing evenly
13. Dot with berries
14. Stack 4 of the prepared toasts on remaining prepared toasts
15. Top each with a plain toast
16. Press gently to secure
17. Place each on a serving plate
18. If desired, sift confectioners’ sugar over Napoleons
19. Serve immediately

Thanks to my friends at the Blueberry Council for sharing this recipe.